Chris Wilder believes Sheffield United deserve more credit for their achievements so far this season, accusing some rival managers of making “naive” comments about his team.

Wilder, whose side returns to action against Rochdale tomorrow, was speaking after Bolton Wanderers’ Phil Parkinson accused the League One leaders of enjoying “an open cheque book” following last weekend’s match at Bramall Lane.

Although he refused to name the culprits directly, Wilder said: “There is always going to be ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’, and more than likely the ‘haves’ - with attendances, financial backing, best youth departments and facilities - normally come out on top.

“But that doesn’t mean there has to be an open chequebook policy, because there certainly isn’t one here. There hasn’t been and there won’t be.

“For people to have that opinion on us is pretty naive, a throwaway comment, because they don’t know what happens here. We are delighted with the way we are going about it, the players we have brought in, and that won’t change.”

United moved seven points clear at the top of the table following their 2-0 victory over Bolton. Wilder, who admitted Rochdale “will probably count themselves unfortunate” not to have won at Bramall Lane earlier this term, last night revealed his respect for Keith Hill’s work since returning to Spotland four years ago.

“Keith develops players, they take rejects in, broken ones, experienced players like last year with Grant Holt,” Wilder said. “They take players that people don’t want, dust them down, coach them, give them an opportunity and make them better players. They deserve huge credit.

“Why can’t we do that? Just because we are a big club in stature, history and attendances.”

Chris Wilder has huge respect for Keith Hill (above)

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